Dame Esther Rantzen, president of Childline said: “At Childline we know children and young people are sometimes frightened and distressed by events in the wider world.

Often we fail to notice the impact these stories are having on young peopleDame Esther Rantzen

“Seeing pictures of crying and bewildered toddlers being pulled from bomb-damaged homes upsets all of us.

“Often we fail to notice the impact these stories are having on young people.

“The good news is that so many children are able to express their anxiety to Childline, knowing that we will take them seriously, so that we are able to reassure them.

“Sometimes these stories also reveal related concerns in their own lives, such as being subjected to racist bullying.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: “The world can be a worrying place but we need to ensure our children are reassured rather than left overwhelmed and frightened.

“It’s only natural for children and young people to feel worried sometimes, but when they are plagued by constant fears that are resulting in panic attacks and making them not want to leave the house then they need support.”